Operations Director - Neuchâtel Operations Center

Jobup; Hauterive; On-site; EUR 194,000 - 302,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Global multicultural culture

Job summary

Focuslight Switzerland is seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the Neuchâtel Operations Center, delivering operational performance and organizational development in an international setting.

You will connect Corporate, international sites, and the local team, driving transformation, building local credibility, and nurturing leadership to strengthen site performance and long-term growth.

Qualifications

• Ten+ years in industrial operations or manufacturing with leadership responsibility.
• Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering, Industrial Management or related field.
• Fluent in French and English; strong cross-cultural communication.
• Willingness to be based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
• Experience in multinational industrial environments and multi-site operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Neuchâtel Operations Center against business objectives.
• Define and execute the site's operational strategy and continuous improvement.
• Own operational performance including delivery, quality, efficiency and cost.
• Develop and inspire a multicultural team and build local leadership capabilities.
• Promote Focuslight culture and ensure values are embedded in daily operations.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and company policies.

Skills

Fluent French & English

Global mindset

Leadership

Cross-cultural collaboration

Manufacturing operations

Education

Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering/Industrial Management

Job description

Focuslight Switzerland is one of the leading manufacturers of high-end micro-optics, with extensive experience in optical design, micro-manufacturing, and metrology. We specialize in producing micro-optical components for a wide range of applications, including photolithography, optical networks, medical technologies, and metrology.

As we continue to innovate and grow, we are currently seeking an

Operations Director - Neuchâtel Operations Center

We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the operational performance and organizational development of our Neuchâtel Operations Center. This role requires a hands-on industrial leader with a global mindset, strong execution capabilities, and the ability to build a high-performing local organization within an international operating environment.

Beyond day-to-day operational management, the successful candidate will serve as a key link between Corporate, international manufacturing sites, and the local Neuchâtel organization. With strong cross-cultural leadership capabilities, the role will drive global alignment and collaboration while building local credibility, influence, and leadership capability to strengthen the site's operational performance and long-term development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Neuchâtel Operations Center, ensuring delivery against business objectives.
• Define and execute the site's operational strategy and continuous improvement agenda.
• Own operational performance, including delivery, quality, efficiency, and cost management.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a multicultural team, strengthening local leadership capabilities and building a sustainable talent pipeline.
• Champion the Focuslight culture and philosophy, lead by example and ensure company values and principles are embedded in daily operations and collaboration with global teams.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local regulations and company policies.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in industrial operations or manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role. Proven experience in industrial operations management, including leadership responsibility for operational performance.
• Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering, Industrial Management, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• Strong global mindset, hands-on execution, and demonstrated ability to lead operational transformation and build local organizational influence.
• Experience in a multinational industrial company with multi-site operations and cross-cultural collaboration is strongly preferred.
• Experience in photonics, precision optics, semiconductors, microtechnology, or other high-precision manufacturing industries is an advantage.
• Fluent in both French and English is mandatory.
• Must be based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

We offer

• A dynamic and flexible work environment with focus on work-life balance.
• A global and multicultural company culture.